Surname Bournes - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'B'
Bournes: What does the surname Bournes mean?
The surname Bournes has English and Celtic origins. It is derived from geographical locations like a stream or a small river known as "bourne". It is derived from the Old English term "burna" which means "stream". In Celtic origins, the term was used to describe a person who lived by a stream.
Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved based on local dialect and pronunciation. Variations of spelling for this surname include Bourne, Bourn, Burns among others. Hence, it is a topographic surname for someone who lived by a stream or a person who belonged to a place named Bourn or Bourne (villages/towns with such names are found in Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire in England).
So, the surname can reveal the geographical origins of a person’s ancestors. In modern times, the name Bournes has spread across the world due to migration and doesn't necessarily indicate the geographical roots of the person. These surnames remain as cultural and familial markers passed down through generations.
Order DNA origin analysisBournes: Where does the name Bournes come from?
The last name Bournes is of English origin and derives from geographical locations. It is believed to be associated with the Old English terms “burna” or "bourne" meaning “stream” or "spring." Thus, it was likely used to identify individuals living near such features. The surname can also be found in forms like Bourne or Bourn. The addition of ‘s’ in Bournes implies "son of Bourne" or it could also suggest origin from multiple places called Bourne.
Although the surname Bournes is not very common, it is predominantly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, England, Canada, and Australia. In England, it might be more concentrated in regions where locales named Bourne exist, such as in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. The United States, particularly its eastern and southern regions, appears to have a relatively higher concentration of individuals carrying this surname. Despite the presence of this surname in these countries, it remains relatively rare compared to other surnames. Its highest prevalence today is in the US.
Variations of the surname Bournes
The surname Bournes can trace its origins back to English, French, and German roots. It has several variations, including Bourne, Burns, Burnes, Bourn, Borne, Burne, Bjorn, Byrn, Byrne, and Bourne.
The name has often been altered in spelling, which occurred quite frequently due to the lack of guidelines for scribing names until recent centuries. These variations are largely phonetic, altered based on how they are heard and pronounced in different regions, languages, and dialects.
The use of the surname as the name for a place, such as Bourn in Cambridgeshire, England, or the river Bourne in Dorset, England, also further dives its usage and alterations.
In French, "Bourne" means a stream or cistern, possibly suggesting an ancestral home for this surname. In Old German, places near a water source were often called "Born," influencing the names of the people living nearby.
Each variant has its own unique cultural background while retaining the basic intent and history of the surname Bournes. The persistence of this surname and its variations through hundreds of years testifies the rich heritage and historical significance of the name's bearers.
Famous people with the name Bournes
There doesn't seem to be a plethora of famous individuals with the surname Bournes. Although some lesser-known figures might share this name, they are not widely recognized or celebrated in global mainstream media or historic accounts. Some such individuals might be accomplished in their respective fields or regions but may not have achieved international fame or recognition. Other, more well-known figures might have similar sounding names, such as 'Bourne', like Jason Bourne from the popular movie series, or Julia Stiles, who played Nicky Parsons in the Bourne movies. Please note that the leading roles in these films are fictional characters and not actual persons. This list compiles only real-life persons and not fictional characters. Being a rather uncommon surname, Bournes is not currently associated with any significant figures in history, the arts, politics, sports, or any other field. The situation can certainly change in the future as more individuals rise to prominence.